Job Introduction
Help shape the next chapter of devolution in the West of England
The West of England is entering a defining period. With devolution bringing greater powers, responsibilities and opportunities, we have a real chance to secure investment, influence national decisions and deliver lasting change for the people and places of our region.
Our Mayor has ambitious priorities: better transport, more affordable homes, access to good and green jobs, stronger communities and an economy in which more people can share the benefits of growth. We are looking for an exceptional Chief of Staff who can help turn those ambitions, and the opportunities of devolution into meaningful regional impact.
As the Mayor’s principal strategic adviser and leader of the Mayor’s Office, you will operate at the heart of regional decision-making. You will help spot and shape opportunities, connect the Mayor with government and regional partners, support influential conversations and negotiations, and ensure that priorities are translated into credible, coordinated and deliverable action.
You will also lead a high-performing Mayor’s Office, bringing together policy, public affairs, communications, engagement and executive support. Working closely with the Chief Executive, senior officers and Directors, you will provide trusted advice and constructive challenge while respecting the Authority’s governance and clear lines of accountability.
What you will bring
- Exceptional strategic judgement, political awareness and the confidence to provide candid, evidence-led advice.
- A track record of turning complex ambitions or emerging opportunities into tangible outcomes.
- The ability to build influential relationships across government, public services, business and civic institutions.
- Strong leadership of people and multidisciplinary teams, with the judgement to prioritise and maintain delivery focus.
- Integrity, discretion, resilience and a clear understanding of impartial public-service leadership.
You may have built your career in local or central government, a public body, a major partnership, business or the voluntary sector. What matters most is your ability to operate credibly in a complex environment, bring people together and make things happen.
This is more than a role supporting the Mayor’s day-to-day agenda. It is an opportunity to help the West of England make the most of devolution and shape what comes next for our region.
This role will have terms and conditions required by Local Government Officers (Political Restrictions) Regs 1990. This is a politically restricted post under the Local Government and Housing Act 1989.
We welcome applications from candidates with a range of professional backgrounds, including central and local government, public services and other complex organisations. Applications from individuals interested in joining us on secondment from central government are particularly welcome, subject to agreement with their employing organisation.
The role closes at midnight on Thursday 29 October 2026.
Interviews are planned for mid-November 2026.
Find out more
If this sounds like your next opportunity, please apply so you can tell us why you'd be a great fit. There’s more role-related formation is in the job description, but if you have any questions for the recruitment team you can contact us on Resourcing@westofengland-ca.gov.uk.
About the Company
Our offer
We are based in a new bright and airy office, with all the latest technology, close to Bristol Temple Meads Train Station.
Alongside the opportunity to make a real difference to the people who visit, live and work in the West of England, we offer an excellent benefits package including:
- 26 days annual leave, plus bank holidays, rising to 31 days after 5 years continuous service. There is also the option to increase your annual leave with our annual leave purchase scheme.
- 2 days of paid leave each year to volunteer
- Local Government Pension Scheme (one of the most generous pension schemes in the UK).
- Flexible, family friendly and hybrid working options to ensure you achieve the best work/life balance and career goals. We follow a hybrid working model with typically 2 or 3 days in the office each week
- Reduced bus fare travel across the West of England
We believe in fostering a culture of continuous learning and development, empowering you to thrive in your career. We prioritise your growth and success by providing a diverse range of learning and development opportunities. Our goal is to keep you motivated, equipped with essential skills, and confident in delivering excellent services.
The salary for this role is £84,497 to £92,366. This is the full-time equivalent salary, and will be pro-rata for part-time. We advertise salary ranges for job roles, with new appointments for external candidates typically starting at the lowest salary point. In exceptional cases, where higher skill levels or experience are applicable, the salary point may be adjusted to secure the best candidate. This approach allows for potential year-on-year salary increases, offering progression and appropriate rewards to employees.
Good Employment Charter
https://www.goodemploymentcharter.co.uk/
As a founding Member of the West of England Good Employment Charter and accredited Living Wage Employer, we’re committed to creating a diverse environment where all our employees can thrive. We make sure all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment and we particularly welcome applications from under-represented groups without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or citizenship status.
Fair and Inclusive Recruitment
We want everyone to have a fair opportunity to work with us. We are committed to inclusive recruitment and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. Our recruitment processes are designed to be fair, accessible and free from unlawful discrimination, in line with the Equality Act 2010.
Reasonable Adjustments
If you have an accessibility need, disability, condition or need any additional support that means you might require changes to the application or recruitment process (for example, you might need to submit your application in a different format), please get in touch with our Resourcing Team at Resourcing@westofengland-ca.gov.uk. We are here to assist and accommodate your needs.
Using Artificial Intelligence (AI)
We want to understand the real person behind each application. While we recognise that some applicants may use AI tools, these should support your writing rather than replace your own voice. AI can be a helpful aid, but your personal insight and individuality are what matter most to us.
Closing dates
Our roles close at midnight on the closing date. Please note this vacancy may close early or be extended depending on the number of applications so please don’t wait to apply. If you have started your application, we’ll give you notice of the new closing date by email.
From a recruitment agency?
We’re not engaging with agencies for this role. Any CVs received from agencies will be considered as unsolicited and the property of the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, with no obligation to pay agency fees.
